The ancient art of nurturing bonsai trees dates back more than thousands of years. Although usually bonsai is closely related to Japan, bonsai trees actually originate from China, where trees are associated with Zen beliefs. Bonsai trees are now used for decoration and recreational purposes, as well as for cultural purposes. Caring for a bonsai tree can provide an opportunity for plant sellers to play a role in fostering creativity in the beauty of nature. See the first step below to learn how to start owning a bonsai tree.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Bonsai For You
Step 1. Choose the type of species that is suitable for your climate
Not all bonsai trees are the same. Many of the hardwood and tropical plants make bonsai trees, but not all species are suitable for your location. When choosing a species, you should consider the climate in which it will grow. For example, some trees will die in cold weather, while other tree species “need” low temperatures to live and prepare for spring. Before starting to create a bonsai tree, make sure the species you choose can live in your area – especially if you will be placing your bonsai tree outdoors. The plant shop staff will definitely help you if you're not sure.
- One type of bonsai that is good for beginners is the juniper. This tree is able to survive throughout the Northern Hemisphere and even in the temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Plus, juniper trees are easy to care for – they respond well to pruning and other "training," because juniper is a tree with leaves that stay green all year round.
- Other types that can be used as bonsai trees are pine, spruce, and various cedars. Fallen trees are also possible – Japanese maples are beautiful, as are magnolias, elms, and oaks. Also, tropical trees that are not hardwood, such as jade and snowrose, are great choices for indoor environments with cold or temperate climates.
Step 2. Decide whether you plan to have the tree indoors or outdoors
The needs of indoor and outdoor bonsai trees are certainly different. In general, indoors will be drier and receive less sunlight than outdoors, so you should choose trees that require less sunlight and humidity. Listed below are some of the most common varieties of bonsai trees, grouped according to their environmental suitability:
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In the room:
Ficus, Hawaiian Umbrella, Serissa, Gardenia, Camellia, Kingsville Boxwood.
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Outdoors:
Juniper, Cypress, Cedar, Maple, Birch, Beech, Ginkgo, Larch, Elm.
- Keep in mind that some fairly versatile varieties, such as juniper, are suitable for both outdoors and indoors, provided they are cared for properly.
Step 3. Choose the size of your bonsai
Bonsai trees have different sizes. Bonsai trees can be as small as 15 centimeters or even 1 meter, depending on the species. If you choose to maintain your bonsai with seeds or cut from another tree, you can create a smaller bonsai. Larger plants require more water, soil, and sunlight, so you should know your bonsai needs before buying.
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Some things you should consider when determining the size of your bonsai tree:
- The size of the pot you will use
- The place you will use to put bonsai, at home or in your office.
- Sunlight that your bonsai will get
- Your willingness to take care of your tree (the bigger the tree, the longer it will take you to prune)
Step 4. Imagine the results when selecting plants
When you have decided on the type and size of your bonsai, you can go to a bonsai shop or seed shop and choose the plant of your choice. When choosing plants, look for live, green leafy plants to ensure they are healthy (however, keep in mind that deciduous trees will have different leaves in the fall). And finally, you've narrowed down your cravings to the healthiest, most beautiful plants, and imagined what they'll look like once they're pruned. The nice thing about keeping a bonsai is that you can prune it and shape it the way you want – this can take years. Choose a tree that has a shape that suits you from the start
- Keep in mind that if you decide to grow your bonsai from seed, you must be able to regulate the growth of your tree at the stage of its development. However, it can take up to 5 years (depending on the species) for a bonsai tree to be grown from seed to a mature bonsai tree. Therefore, if you want to prune or shape your tree immediately, it is better you buy a mature bonsai.
- Another option is to maintain the bonsai by cutting. Cutting is cutting branches from trees that have grown and transplanted into new soil to start plants (but have identical genes) that are different. Cuttings may be a good choice – they don't take as long to grow as starting from seedlings, but offer a good deal of control over tree growth.
Step 5. Choose a pot A distinctive feature of bonsai trees is that they can be grown in pots that limit their growth
The most important factor in deciding which pot to use is whether the size of the pot is sufficient to accommodate the soil that will cover the roots of the plant. When you water your tree, it absorbs the water from the soil through the roots. So you can't keep the tree in a small pot, so it can't retain moisture. To prevent the roots from rotting, you should also make sure the pot has one or more holes in the bottom. If not, you can punch it yourself.
- When your pot is large enough to support your tree, you must also maintain the tidiness and aesthetics of your bonsai tree. A pot that is too large can make your tree look smaller on its own, giving the impression that it doesn't match the pot. Buy a pot that is large enough for your tree, but not too big – to maintain the aesthetics of your bonsai tree, and not visually damage it.
- Some people want to maintain their bonsai by placing it in its usual place first, then moving it to a more beautiful place when their bonsai is mature. This is a good process, especially if your bonsai species is a fairly fragile one, allowing you to set aside the cost of a pretty pot until your tree is healthy and beautiful.
Part 2 of 3: Putting Bonsai Trees in Pots
Step 1. Prepare your tree
If you just bought a bonsai from a store and it was placed in an unattractive plastic pot or you already have a bonsai and want to put it in the right pot, then you should prepare it before transplanting. First, make sure your tree is trimmed to your liking. If you want the tree to grow the way you want it, wrap it with wire around the tree or its branches in the direction you want it to grow. Make sure your tree is in top condition before transplanting it into a new pot as this can be a tedious process for your plant.
- Be aware that trees with a seasonal life cycle (mostly deciduous trees) are best transplanted in the spring. Rising temperatures in spring cause most plants to enter a phase where they grow more rapidly, meaning they will recover from pruning and root cutting more quickly.
- You should reduce watering before moving the pot. Loose, dry soil will be easier to move than wet soil.
Step 2. Uproot the tree and clean the roots
Be careful when removing the tree from its pot, making sure not to break the main trunk. Maybe you'll use a shovel to get your plants out. The roots may be cut off before you move your tree. However, to make it easier, clean the dirt that sticks to the roots. Clean the roots, remove dirt that interferes with your vision. A root rake, chopsticks, tweezers, and similar tools will come in handy to help with this process.
The roots don't have to be stinging clean – clean enough that you can see them when you trim them
Step 3. Trim the roots
If growth is out of control, the bonsai tree can overwhelm the pot. To make sure your bonsai tree is manageable and tidy, trim the roots when you are placing it in the pot. Cut off the thick, large, upward-facing roots, leaving the long, slender roots near the soil surface. Water will be absorbed through the tips of the roots, so multiple root strands will be better than large ones if you keep them in a small pot.
Step 4. Prepare the pot
Before placing your tree in a pot, make sure the bottom of the pot is still good, the soil to be inserted is to the desired height. At the bottom of your empty pot, add a layer of coarse soil as the base. Then, add planting media or good soil on top. Use soil or growing media that drains water well – garden soil can hold too much water and drown your tree. Leave a little space to put your tree roots.
Step 5. Place your tree in a pot
Place the tree in the orientation you want. After adding good soil or other growing medium, make sure all plant roots are covered. Or you can add moss or pebbles. In addition to aesthetics, this can keep your tree in place.
- If your tree can't stand in its new pot, use a wire from the bottom of the pot through the hole. Tie the wire around the roots to tie the plant together.
- You'll need to add a net over the hole to prevent the soil from falling, which can happen when you water it, then the water will carry the soil out through the hole.
Step 6. Take care of your bonsai tree
Your new tree has just gone through a traumatic process. For 2-3 weeks after you change your pot, place it in a fairly shaded area, protected from wind and direct sunlight. Water your tree, but don't apply fertilizer until the roots have recovered. By allowing your tree to "breathe" after a pot change, you allow it to adapt to its new home, and thrive.
- As mentioned above, the leaves of trees with an annual life cycle undergo a period of intensive growth in the spring. Therefore, it is best to replace the pot in the spring after winter is over. If your tree is an indoor plant, after pruning its roots, you should place it outdoors where higher ground and more sunlight can trigger a "growth rate."
- Once your bonsai tree is planted, you may want to experiment with adding another small plant in the pot. If carefully styled and maintained, these additions may enhance its aesthetics. Try using plants that come from the same area as your bonsai tree so that the water and light needed will support all the plants in the pot.
Part 3 of 3: Raising Bonsai Trees From Seeds
Step 1. Get your seeds
Raising a bonsai tree from seed is a long and lengthy process. Depending on the type of bonsai tree you are keeping, it may take 4-5 years for the trunk to reach 2.5 centimeters in diameter. Some seeds require certain requirements to grow. However, this method may be a "worthwhile" experience as you can control the growth of the plant. To get started, buy tree seedlings of the species you want at a plant store or pick them up from nature.
- Many fall trees, such as oak, beech, and maple, have easily recognizable acorns (acorns, etc.) that fall from the tree each year. The ease of getting the seeds, this type of tree is the right choice if you want to maintain bonsai from seeds.
- Use new seeds. The time during which tree seedlings can germinate is usually less than that of flower and vegetable seedlings. For example, oak seedlings are at their best in early fall and the oaks retain their green color.
Step 2. Let the seed grow
Once you have collected the right seeds for a bonsai tree, you need to take good care of them to ensure they grow (sprout). In non-tropical areas with four seasons, seedlings will fall from the tree in autumn, then lie dormant in winter before sprouting in spring. Seedlings from trees from this area usually only grow after experiencing high temperatures in winter and begin to warm up gradually in spring. In this case, you may have to let the seedling feel this or stimulate it in the refrigerator.
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If you live in a four-season environment, you can bury the seedling in a small pot filled with soil and place it outdoors during the winter and spring. If not, you can put the seeds in the refrigerator for the winter. Place your seedlings in plastic zip-lock loosely, moisten with a growing medium (for example, vermiculite) and remove them in the spring when sprouts are visible.
To stimulate its natural cycle gradually, increase the temperature as it alternates from fall to spring, placing your seed bag under the refrigerator. After 2 weeks, move them up gradually, rack by rack, all the way to the cooler. Then, in late winter, reverse the process, gradually moving it to the lower shelf
Step 3. Introduce your seedlings to the pot
When the seeds have started to grow, you can start nurturing them in pots filled with soil. If you allow the seedlings to germinate naturally outdoors, they generally stay in the pot for them to grow. If not, transfer your seeds from the refrigerator to a pre-filled pot or seed tray first. Dig a small hole for your seedling and bury it in the soil so that the main shoot is facing up and the taproot is pointing down. Immediately water your seeds. Over time, moisten the soil but not over-flood it, as this will cause the soil to rot.
Do not apply fertilizer for 5-6 weeks after the plant has adapted to its new pot. Start with a small amount of fertilizer, or you will "burn" the young roots of your plants, destroying them with too much fertilizer
Step 4. Put your plant at the right temperature
As long as the seeds are growing, don't leave them in cold temperatures or you will lose your plants. If you live in a warm place, you introduce your plants to warm temperatures carefully, make sure your plants are not exposed to strong winds or direct sunlight, choose the type of species that can survive in your geographic area. If you keep it in the tropics, it may be best to keep it in a warmer room or greenhouse.
Make sure your seedlings are watered often enough, but not too much. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet
Step 5. Take care of your new seedlings
Water regularly and be careful in the sun. The tree will release two tiny leaves called cotyledons from the seed itself before starting to grow into true leaves and grow further. As it grows (which usually takes years) you can move it to an even larger pot to accommodate its growth until it reaches the size of the bonsai tree you want.
When your tree is mature enough, you can place it outdoors where it gets morning and evening sunlight, as long as the tree species is a species that can survive in your geographic area. Tropical plants and other fragile types of bonsai should be kept indoors at all times if your local climate doesn't suit them
Tips
- Regularly trimming the roots will help your tree adjust to its small environment.
- Try to focus on basic tree styles like vertical, informal, and cascade.
- You can also make bonsai from different types of trees.
- Plant your tree in a large area and let it grow for a year or two to enlarge the trunk.
- Let your tree grow until the next season before you try to prune it.
- Don't let him die and take care of him.
